Rotten Insects, Viral Videos And Climate Change: S.Korea Battles 'Lovebug' Invasion

First reported in Incheon in 2015, South Korea is now annually hit by a weeks-long infestation of 'lovebugs', a type of March fly (Credit: AFP)

K-pop's BTS are grossed out by them. A YouTuber ate them. Hikers plough through them: South Korea is dealing with a "lovebug" invasion that experts say highlights worsening climate change.

First identified in South Korea a decade ago, Seoul is now annually hit by a weeks-long infestation of the Plecia nearctica insect, a type of March fly nicknamed "lovebug" for their distinctive mating behaviour, which sees them fly around in coupled pairs.